In the Class Room 7-25-10

BIBLE STUDY

Robert began a new study July 11, entitled Every Believer Needs to Know. . . . The theme of this lesson is ‘Assurance of Salvation’ and the Scripture to study is 1 John 5:11-14, which tells us that we can know we have eternal life if we believe in the name of the Son of God, Jesus Christ. Having Christ in our hearts assures us we will have eternal life.

The second foundational truth to have assurance of salvation, the Witness of the Spirit, was discussed yesterday and ‘Bro. Finley’ was wound up, taught a little, preached a little! (I can say that since I am his wife!). Our Scripture text was Romans 8:14, 16. Robert refreshed our memory that one experiences a ‘new birth’ at the moment of salvation and at that time is born, as a babe, into the family of God. However, just as babies must learn to walk, talk, and mature, Christians must also grow and mature, I Peter 2:2. Ways to grow were discussed: studying the Word, prayer, learning from mistakes (which all will make) and getting up and going forward, seeking Godly advice and counsel, regular fellowship with Christians, etc.

At the moment of our new birth, the Holy Spirit also enters and indwells within us, Titus 3:4-7. We become part of a whole, the body of Christ. Read I Corinthians 12:13, 27 to understand that Christians must function co-operatively, never independently, for full potential growth and success. Other Scriptures to read are Galatians 4:4-7 and Ephesians 1:11-14.

We, as believers, become His children; thus, becoming ‘heirs of God’. Our greatest inheritance will be fully realized when we become like Him and receive perfection and a glorified body (WOW!). But……we receive part of our inheritance now! At the time we accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, we inherit the person of Jesus Christ; we inherit the Holy Spirit; and we inherit God Himself (the Written Word), Acts 20:32. In summation, the Holy Spirit bears witness to our spirit that we, as believers, are the children of God and are assured of our eternal salvation, Romans 8:16.

Next class meeting we will discuss the third truth, the Testimony of a Changed Life. Scripture text will be II Corinthians 5:17 and 16. Other Scriptures to read are I John 2:3 and 14-15. Study these verses and come prepared to share your thoughts, questions, and insights with us. See you then!

PRAYER REQUESTS

Jeff and Denise  – death of Denise’s mother, Rita.
Janie – Diane’s mom; gall bladder surgery Thurs.
Reagen – Sylvia’s sister’s infant granddaughter; vocal cords paralyzed; if she feeds well this week a feeding tube not necessary; parents, Brian & Rachel, trusting God for their baby
Jolene – still in recovery process from surgery months ago; good days/bad days
James'  (Amanda’s friend) mom – in hospital
Mike’s (Amanda’s friend) parents – not doing well
Gale – works outside; struggling with heat/high temps
Joel and Steve – for Christian women to become part of their lives
Aislyn – Jolene’s daughter – for transition as her business moves
Denver – Mark/Leslie’s son; student at Centenary; considering joining National Guard

In the Class Room 7-18-10

SUMMER HAS DEFINITELY ARRIVED!

If it is at your house like it is at ours and you make plans to be outdoors, you change you mind quickly when you stick your head out! Hot, humid, sticky, smothering, just a few words that come to mind! However……..we do have AC in the classroom, so don’t let the heat keep you from attending class. Low attendance is expected in the summer; but know that we miss you when you’re not there!

BIBLE STUDY

Robert began a new study July 11, entitled Every Believer Needs to Know. . . . , and only covered the introduction that Sunday, to no one’s surprise, I’m sure. Our actual study of Lesson One got under way this past Sunday. The theme of this lesson is ‘Assurance of Salvation’ and the Scripture to study is 1 John 5:11-14, which tells us that we can know we have eternal life if we believe in the name of the Son of God, Jesus Christ. Having Christ in our hearts assures us we will have eternal life.

Salvation is definite and real. God wants all believers to have assurance of their salvation. This assurance is based on three major foundational truths. We studied and discussed the first of the three, the Word of God. We can be assured of our salvation because of what is written in the Word. Read the Gospel of John 10:27-28. This book was written for us to know Him—Christ. The Bible is the believer’s spiritual birth certificate. Other Scriptures to read are:

1 John 1:7, 9        John 10:28-30      Romans 5:8-9
Romans 6:23       John 3:18, 36        John 5:25

These scriptures invoked a profound discussion on the permanence of salvation. We are told that nothing, no force (human or satanic), can separate one from God after acknowledging and accepting Christ as the Son of God, asking forgiveness of all sin, and pursuing a Christian life. At that moment, eternal life is a promise and God never breaks a promise. We do have a life that is everlasting! In summary, salvation is unchanging and not based on feelings or circumstances.

The second foundational truth to have assurance of salvation is the Witness of the Spirit. Next class meeting we will discuss this truth. Read Romans 8:14 and 16 and come prepared to share your thoughts, questions, and insights with us. See you then.

 

ANNOUNCEMENT

The Men’s Breakfast is this Wednesday, 6:30 AM at the Fellowship Hall at the church. Guest speaker will be instructing men on how to become empowering witnesses. No fee. A good opportunity to fellowship, break bread, and learn!

PRAYER REQUESTS

Johnny B. – knee scopes recovery
Marion C. – death of his father
Rita W. – Jeff’s mother-in-law; serious heart & stomach issues; ICU (KY)
Judi – Leonard’s daughter; needs employment
Heifner family – death of Eva Lee’s friend, Sue, (comatose since surgery few mos. ago)
Reagen – Sylvia’s sister’s infant granddaughter; vocal cords paralyzed; trach done, possibly feeding tube necessary; for Brian & Rachel learning her care

In the Class Room 7-4-10

BIBLE STUDY

No class today.

PRAYER REQUESTS

Irma – Veronica’s friend; for opportunity to move back to this area
Paul S. – Roger’s grandson-in-law; needs employment

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Class resumes Sunday, July 11! Robert will begin a new series of lessons, entitled ‘Every Believer Needs To Know……’. If you did not get your copy last Sunday, copies will be available in the class room, Room 404, 11 AM.

The Deepwater Horizon oil spill has affected the lives of many of our Louisiana citizens. In an effort to alleviate some of the needs, our Governor and First Lady have launched a ‘school supplies for kids’ drive. Many of our Gulf Coast families have lost their income and in a few weeks school days will resume. The children of these families will need supplies to succeed in the classroom. Our church has worked with a vendor who will provide every supply requested at a very low price and deliver them directly to the Governor’s office in Baton Rouge. Each school supply pack is only $29, a fantastic price! Take advantage of this opportunity to help our southern neighbors. You may drop off your donation at the church office. Our initial goal is to provide 300 packs.